The most distressing and alarming thing to see is bleeding in pregnancy. There are many reasons for spotting and bleeding during pregnancy, some of which are not serious, and some are. If you are bleeding during pregnancy, know when to seek help to determine the cause and the recommended treatment.
There are many reasons for bleeding during pregnancy, and may be normal to have slight bleeding during pregnancy, especially in the initial stages. However, vaginal bleeding at any point in pregnancy can indicate an underlying condition or a complication. So, it is always better to consult your healthcare provider to know if the bleeding is serious.
When you consult your healthcare provider, understand whether you are bleeding or spotting so that you can give accurate symptoms and get better care. Spotting is light bleeding. It may be brown or red when you see only a few spots of blood in your underwear or the panty liner, and it is not filled with blood, it is deemed spotting and is common during the first trimester with no cause for worry. If this happens, continuously consult a doctor to learn why. But if you have more blood flow and need a pad to keep your underwear from getting stained or with abdomen pain or cramps, it is called bleeding. When this happens, meet your doctor immediately so that they can examine and find out the cause.
● Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause the cervical tissues to become sensitive and bleed. Because of this sensitivity, some women might also experience a bleed after a pelvic exam or an ultrasound, but this is usually not a cause for worry.
● Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause light bleeding, and these need to be treated.
● Sex: Some women may have spotting or light bleeding after sex due to the cervix being extra tender at this time and also because of more blood flow to the cervix.
The causes can range from minor to serious. It can also happen at various stages of pregnancy. Here are some common causes of bleeding in pregnancy:
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● Implantation bleeding: When the fertilized egg embeds into the uterine wall and causes light bleeding.
● Ectopic pregnancy: When the pregnancy happens in the fallopian tube or outside the uterus. It is a life-threatening complication that needs immediate attention.
● Molar pregnancy: This is a rare condition where the fertilized egg embeds in the uterus, and instead of a fetus, a tumor forms.
● Miscarriage: When you lose your pregnancy within 20 weeks. It starts with light bleeding severe cramping, and the bleeding gets heavier.
● Subchorionic hematoma: Bleeding from a membrane that encompasses the embryo in the uterus. This condition resolves on its own.
● Cervical polyps: This is a noncancerous growth that causes cervical bleeding due to more estrogen production.
● Placenta Previa: When the placenta covers the entire or a part of the cervix, it rarely happens after a week or 20 weeks of pregnancy.
● Placental abruption: When the placenta gets separated from the uterine wall. It can be dangerous for the mother and the fetus.
● Incompetent cervix: When the cervix dilates or opens too early and leads to premature labour.
● Preterm labour: Having a laour before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Other symptoms of this condition are cramping, contractions, or membrane rupture.
● Blood show: Bleeding with mucus that happens after 8 months. It is a symptom that the body is getting ready for labour.
● Miscarriage: Also called a stillbirth. It is losing pregnancy after 20 weeks.
As mentioned earlier, bleeding spots during pregnancy in the first trimester are normal and not serious. But you should still consult your doctor if it is bleeding or spotting. However, bleeding that is similar to menstruation is not a symptom of a healthy pregnancy. Menstrual bleeding has a steady blood flow for several days, and if you have anything more than light spotting or if your bleeding is longer than 24 hours, then you should consult your doctor. This type of bleeding may be a sign that something is not correct, and heavy bleeding with cramps indicates a serious complication.
When it comes to how the bleeding during pregnancy looks, it can look different for different women. Your doctor must know what it looks like to examine the symptoms. Here are some details to observe and describe to your healthcare provider.
● The blood may be bright red, brown, or pink.
● Is it watery, thick, smooth, or does it have clots?
● Is it a few drops or filling up a pad?
The above details help the doctor determine the treatment of your symptoms and their urgency.
When you consult a doctor about bleeding during pregnancy, the basic tests are physical examination followed by an ultrasound to know the cause. Additional tests like blood and urine tests and an MRI may be suggested. Based on the results, the treatment may include:
● Bedrest
● Staying off your feet
● Avoiding travel
● Hospitalisation and surgery for severe bleeding
After seeking a consultation for bleeding, you should follow the care procedures provided. In most cases, they recommend rest and avoiding vigorous exercise or heavy lifting.
Your doctor should know if you are spotting or bleeding during pregnancy. Even if it is not serious, your doctor will note the symptoms. You should check with your provider immediately if you have:
● Heavy bleeding
● Cramping or contractions
● Abdominal or pelvic pain
● Dizziness
● Fainting
● Chills
● Fever
● Signs of preterm labor like water breaking.
Bleeding or spotting at any time during the pregnancy is scary, and sometimes it can be serious. You must discuss this with your doctor to find the cause, rule out bleeding, and ensure you and your baby are healthy.
There is no single treatment for bleeding during pregnancy, as the cause can vary. The best action is to call your doctor immediately to discuss your symptoms and receive personalized guidance.
Getting plenty of rest, aggressive workouts, and avoiding unnecessary travel are ways to reduce bleeding during pregnancy.
Bleeding during pregnancy can impact the baby depending on the cause. While it may not always indicate a problem, it can be a sign of complications or miscarriage.
It can be caused by many things, some serious and some not. While it is common for some to bleed during the first trimester, it does not mean a major problem, But it can also increase the risk of abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, or low birth weight.
